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FlightWatch Watch Fall 2011
When Disaster Strikes Remote Regions, MAF Already Has a Plan
From
thePresident’s
Desk
John Boyd President & CEO MAF USA
a publication of
Mission Aviation Fellowship Our Mission
Sharing the love of Jesus Christ through aviation and technology so that isolated people may be physically and spiritually transformed.
Managing Editor:
Rob Jorgensen
Writers:
Jennifer Wolf Jason Chatraw
Art Director:
Resourcing:
Help in Time of Need Dear Friend in Christ, In our interconnected world, it seems as if we hear of a new crisis every week. The earth appears to be in perpetual upheaval, with thousands of lives at stake each day. It’s during these natural disasters and medical epidemics that MAF takes a serious look at how it can reallocate its resources to best help. In this issue of FlightWatch, you will learn not only how MAF makes those tough decisions but also how we operate in disaster and crisis situations such as the recent famine in the Horn of Africa. This organization seeks to reflect God’s heart to those who need us. It reminds me of this scripture written by David:
“Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.” —Psalm 138:6
It is with this heart that MAF does everything possible to prepare for disasters and respond immediately to help other organizations that are equipped to help as well. When disaster strikes, lives hang in the balance and depend upon an expedited response. I’m pleased to be part of an organization that can help in this way. Thank you for your continued support and partnership with this ministry. You help make it possible for MAF to reach the world for Christ.
In His grace,
John C. Boyd President and CEO
Psalm 138:6 “Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”
Colby Dees Jennifer Wolf Kelly Hewes
EVERY GIFT YOU send, every
prayer you offer for MAF, helps change lives through aviation and technology. We enjoy hearing from you! Please send comments and questions to MAF-US@maf.org.
MAF
PO Box 47 Nampa, ID 83653-0047 208-498-0800 1-800-FLYS-MAF (359-7623) www.maf.org MAF maintains the highest standards of financial accountability and public disclosure to donors, the government, and the world at large. MAF is a member of ... ACCORD • CSC Christian Service Charities • ECFA Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability • IAMA International Association of Missionary Aviation • The Mission Exchange. All Scripture references, unless otherwise noted, are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
On the Cover: Where needed, MAF is prepared for disaster. Photo by Colby Dees.
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Disaster Strikes – Now What
The criteria for how MAF determines involvement in disaster relief efforts
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elevision network stations break into regular programming to announce that another disaster has struck in some far-flung part of the world. Sometimes they strike suddenly like a tsunami or earthquake. Sometimes they build slowly like a humanitarian crisis that was 20 years in the making. The compassion we each feel makes us want to help in any way we can. And for MAF missionaries and staff around the world, the desire to help is natural; their life work is dedicated to coming to the aid of needy people in remote regions. But MAF doesn’t respond to every disaster. When a tsunami blasted Indonesia in 2004, MAF was there. When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, MAF wasn’t involved in the relief effort. What criteria does this ministry use when deciding where to respond?
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Once a disaster strikes, MAF’s team attempts to answer a host of questions ...
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MAF’s unique role in missions forces the organization to critically assess the viability of participating in a relief effort as each disaster happens. And while MAF would love to have the resources to deploy planes, people, and goods to help with every disaster in the world, it is not feasible. Instead, MAF must make some difficult decisions in determining its involvement.
Why not Japan?
Following the recent earthquakes and tsunamis that struck Japan, MAF supporters and media members alike asked why MAF wasn’t involved in relief efforts there. In short, MAF’s expertise is best served when aiding in a disaster that occurs in a remote location. “Though the needs are significant and urgent, the aviation and communication services MAF offers in remote areas are not appropriate for Japan’s more urban environment,” said MAF President and CEO John Boyd, explaining the organization’s position to decline assistance. While the remoteness of a location is a significant factor, there are other pressing questions that must be answered as well.
Photo courtesy of Cury Wescott
Disaster Response Philosophy
John Woodberry, MAF’s manager of Disaster Response and Security, provided some insight into the philosophy of MAF’s disaster response approach. “Once a disaster strikes, MAF’s team attempts to answer a host of questions to determine if MAF’s assistance is necessary and, if so, what the immediate and long-term ramifications of involvement are,” Woodberry said. Here are some of the filters used to determine if action steps are required: • Is this God’s leading? • Is it remote? • Are there acute unmet needs? • Can what MAF does help the situation? • Are communities vulnerable? • Is local capacity insufficient to deal with the scale of the disaster? • What is the NGO/mission presence in the disaster location? Do they need MAF-type support? • Will we truly meet needs and with God’s help transform lives? Disaster response is a key part of MAF’s mission. However, this checks-and-balances system keeps MAF focused on utilizing its strengths of aviation and technology with other partner organizations, to serve isolated people in desperate situations. To learn more about MAF’s disaster response team, how it works and what it does, visit MAF’s blog at www.mafblog.com to read a three-part series on the ministry’s Disaster Response department. Fall 2011 | www.maf.org
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Where Most Needed When Disaster Strikes Remote Regions, MAF Already Has a Plan
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s the Somalian mother trudged east through the Juba Valley with six children—pushing her eldest (age 8) in a wheelbarrow because the girl was unable to walk—she likely wondered if anyone was thinking about her. To reach the nearest and most overcrowded refugee camp in the world, she would have to walk more than 20 days over dangerous roads, desperately searching for food and water as she went.
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Yet somebody was thinking about her and the many others like her struggling with the consequence of famine.
day about how the organization can help where it is most needed.
As disasters inevitably occur around the world, MAF is positioned to meet the needs of isolated people in dire circumstances. Strategic planning and key partnerships give MAF the unique ability to play an active role in many of our world’s most difficult tragedies. People within MAF are thinking every
Careful planning takes place long before a catastrophic event even happens. “MAF takes a mid-level approach to disaster response,” said John Woodberry, manager of Disaster Response and Security. “We are proactively building up our internal surge capacity to respond well. When
Our Approach
disaster strikes, we know what we can do and the potential resources we have to do it. It’s just a matter of determining if the disaster meets our criteria for involvement.” The recent famine in eastern Kenya near the Somalia border provides a clear example of how MAF approaches a disaster. Woodberry flew to Kenya in July to survey the agencies working there, to improve our effectiveness in bringing aid to the thousands affected by famine. Initially, he was involved with surveying international and Christian organizations to determine how MAF could better meet their needs. MAF-I, a sister organization, added a seventh plane to its Kenya program to meet the increased demand for flights, while it was decided that MAF would provide twice-weekly shuttles from Nairobi to Dadaab for agencies such as World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing International, The Lutheran World Federation, and World Concern. “Shuttle flights have been full since they started, helping bring in staff and critical supplies,” says Woodberry. With MAF’s operational footprint in 32 countries, a disaster often leads to a surge, which means an increased presence of personnel and equipment to facilitate relief efforts. It can be any combination of staff, planes, communication equipment, computers, or supplies. These surges can last a few weeks or longer periods of time, depending on the need. Woodberry maintains a 48-hour response call list, detailing individuals’ skill sets, language abilities, and other valuable talents that might be useful in a disaster. This serves as a pool of MAF mechanics, pilots, communications specialists, and other volunteers from which he can pull together an effective disaster response team. For a large disaster, the team can swell to 60 people.
Out of the Public Eye
MAF supporters may recall MAF’s response to other well-publicized disasters, such as the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, 2007, or the deadly tsunami in northern Sumatra, 2004. In those cases, MAF played a large collaborative role with other aid agencies, flying medical and disaster relief teams; doing medical evacuations; transporting food, water and medical supplies; as well as maintaining vital communications systems.
Photo courtesy of John Woodberry
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Saving lives, physically and spiritually, is truly God’s work.
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On a smaller scale, MAF programs also handle less publicized “disasters” that may never cross a popular newswire. This past year the western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was hit hard with a measles epidemic, along with a cholera outbreak. The MAF program in western DRC has been working from two bases to enable medical teams to get into remote areas and combat these serious illnesses. The measles epidemic has affected 115,600 children and claimed 1,100 lives, while the cholera outbreak has had 3,896 reported cases, including 265 deaths. In July alone, MAF pilot Tim Chase made 13 flights to Malemba from the Lubumbashi base to carry nearly 100 staff and almost 14,000 pounds of vaccines to support 24 mobile clinics conducted by Doctors Without Borders, during this massive vaccination campaign. That particular flight takes 1.5 hours by air; but by land, it’s a grueling two-day road trip littered with barricades of corrupt traffic police, and a risky river crossing on a single-vehicle ferryboat.
Why We Do What We Do
The countries where we serve contain some of the poorest and neediest people in the world. Most don’t have access to medical care. Some don’t have access to sufficient food. The need is multiplied a hundredfold when the chaos of a natural disaster confronts the people, or a serious illness begins to spread. That’s why MAF is thinking about that mother in Somalia and so many like her . . . to be the lifeline to help, in big and small ways. As Woodberry puts it, “Saving lives, physically and spiritually, is truly God’s work. By doing this, we are showing the love of God in action.” Fall 2011 | www.maf.org
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MAF Innovation “Engine Baffling”
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olunteers in the fabrication shop of MAF’s hangar in Nampa, Idaho, provide much more than skilled labor—they also provide critical solutions. John Miller, who manages the volunteers in the fabrication shop, tasked Jeff Morgan with creating “baffles”— intricately designed pieces of sheet metal that surround the airplane’s engine to keep the cylinders evenly cooled. They’re a vital component of the air-cooled, piston engines in MAF’s fleet. And Jeff delivered, constructing baffles that included compound curves and shapes. Such work isn’t easy, but Jeff makes it look simple as he builds baffles that look factory-made. Without Jeff’s work, MAF would have to order a set of replacement baffles from Cessna, to the tune of $5,500 per set. But now MAF only pays for relatively inexpensive sheet metal pieces for Jeff to fashion into the right baffle shape. “During flight, there is considerable expanding and vibrations going on inside an airplane engine compartment,” Jeff said. “So, these parts need to be changed out or repaired frequently, especially during engine changes.”
Photo by Colby Dees
Jeff, who spends his mornings each day volunteering at MAF, also recently wielded his sheet metal skills to make spark plug covers. Through some trial and error, he created a press dye that MAF’s fabrication shop can use to create more spark plug covers whenever more are needed. “Being able to put my skills to use like this for the sake of the Gospel is great,” Jeff said. “It really is the best of both worlds that I enjoy what I do working part of the day and then volunteer at MAF with the rest of my time. It’s the coolest thing to know that I’m helping an organization whose ultimate goal is to spread the Gospel.”
Charitable IRA Rollover Renewed for 2011 The Charitable IRA Rollover has been extended for 2011, allowing taxpayers age 70½ or older to make tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRA to charities. These gifts also satisfy the required minimum distribution. This provision allows donors to give from their IRAs without adding the distribution to taxable income and without the offsetting deduction. To learn more, contact MAF-Estate Design toll-free at 1-800-261-7280.
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Give the gift of hope this holiday season! MAF’s 2011 Gift Catalog offers you the chance to give your loved ones a gift that will make a difference in the lives of isolated people around the world. For more information visit www.maf.org/giftcatalog.
Missionary Spotlight: Dave and Linda Ringenberg
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ometime in 2009, when MAF approached Dave and Linda Ringenberg about a short-term position in Kalimantan, Indonesia, they were faced with a difficult decision: Was God calling them to go back? “We were surprised to get that offer; I never expected to go back,” Linda said. The Ringenbergs had been happily serving in Kalimantan since 1998. Then in 2002, their five-yearold daughter, Hannah, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. They returned home, and Hannah went to be with the Lord just 10 months later.
Afterward, Dave took on a new role as an instructor pilot at MAF headquarters. Then, seven years later, the Lord began to stir his heart about serving overseas again. But Linda wasn’t sure she was ready as she wrestled with her fears through prayer. Finally, she was able to say, “Lord, if you are calling me back, I’ll go.” With a new sense of peace, she told Dave she was willing—and ready—to return overseas. A few months later, the Ringenbergs were given an opportunity to go to Kalimantan. When Linda heard the news, sadness washed over her anew as she thought about returning to the place that held so many memories of Hannah. But immediately God seemed to whisper to her soul, “I’m taking you all full circle, Linda.” Now, the couple marvels at the sense of healing and closure God brought about through that year in Kalimantan. They see
now that it was all part of God’s plan to bring them full circle and complete the healing process. “I felt like God gave us new memories there as we worked through the old ones,” Linda said. “When we left, I didn’t feel like it was the old place or the sad place anymore.” While God was bringing closure, He was also preparing them for another door that would open—an offer to return permanently to the field in Papua. The Ringenbergs embraced the opportunity and are getting ready to move there by the end of the year. Their excitement is evident. Dave explains: “MAF happens to be there in this strategic location using the airplane to minister to people who are landlocked. Taking them to receive medical care, or flying in people to teach Bible translation, or delivering Bibles . . . we have those capabilities with the airplane, to the praise of God! This is all for the Lord. We want to serve God this way and be a blessing to others.” To learn more about the Ringenbergs and support their ministry in Papua, visit www.maf.org/ringenberg.
Giving a Gift that Leaves a Lasting Mark
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he MAF-Estate Design team has a job that is both sweet and sorrowful—but one that ultimately results in an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living in isolated areas of the world. One task MAF-Estate Design has is to compassionately respond to letters from grieving relatives of MAF supporters who recently passed away. In these letters, it’s easy to discern the pain of losing a loved one. But it is also easy to detect the joy as a surviving family member sends a portion of the parent’s estate to MAF and recounts how passionate his or her parent was about this ministry and its mission. Consider this excerpt: “As one who had a long and distinguished career in aviation … our father had a special place in his heart for MAF. I remember him speaking of trips he made to Papua New Guinea with [his pastor]. These trips made a great impression.”
Such stories bring immeasurable joy to the MAF-Estate Design team. And the funds that accompany these letters continue to fuel MAF’s mission worldwide. If you would like to ensure that your financial resources continue to help MAF make a difference long after you have passed away, consider making a bequest to MAF upon your passing. The philanthropic spirit is given a voice when wishes are expressed in a person’s will. While many may think philanthropy is for a select few, the truth is every bequest to MAF makes a lasting mark. If you would like more information on wills, including sample language for making a charitable bequest, we invite you to contact us directly at 1-800-261-7280, or email Judy Harmon at jharmon@maf.org.
Fall 2011 | www.maf.org
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Redbird Flight Simulator Arrives at Headquarters
A long-awaited tool has arrived for use in MAF’s training department. Flight instructors have been using the same flight simulator in MAF’s hangar since the ‘80s. The new Redbird flight simulator contains superior avionics and modern terrain simulation to provide greatly enhanced visuals. MAF pilots can actually view the airport landing strips and the terrain in the countries where they will fly. The result is an accurate feel for what they will encounter on the field. With the touch of a button, instructors are able to introduce certain “faults”—engine failure, low oil pressure, or a fire. This provides good practice for handling emergencies.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
—Colossians 4:2 Pray that ...
• Resources and staff will be provided for the MAF Southeast Asia flight training program now in development. • Funding will come by the end of the year that, with a matching grant, will enable a new Caravan to be purchased for MAF’s West DRC program. • Progress is made on new Bible translations in eastern DRC. Four more should be completed in the next year. • The Lord will bring more maintenance specialists to serve with MAF, as some of our programs will soon have a shortage. • God will work in the hearts of government officials in several countries so MAF projects can move forward. • Aid will reach those suffering from famines in Kenya and Somalia, that the people will receive hope and the love of Christ through those who serve them.
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Funds to purchase the simulator were a result of the efforts by MAF’s Advocate Wing—members went into their communities and shared of the need—and a generous matching grant from a foundation. MAF is grateful for those who donated, for the Advocates, and for the foundation that made this new tool a reality.
MAF Celebrates 25 Years in Haiti
Since 1986, MAF has been serving the missionary community and people of Haiti. From a base of operations in Port-au-Prince, eight MAF missionary families and 17 Haitian staff members fly and maintain five aircraft servicing 14 airstrips. MAF’s presence enables the work of Christian workers and agencies in Haiti, including Calvary Chapel Haiti Initiative, Haiti Endowment Fund, The Salvation Army, Save the Children, and World Vision, among others. Additionally, MAF serves mission hospitals on the island and is the only air ambulance provider for more than 250,000 people. The MAF Haiti program has weathered many storms, flooding, and, of course, a devastating earthquake. Through it all, God has been faithful. Join us in thanking Him for his protection these past 25 years.
Ride2Fly Event Raises $4,000 for MAF
The Ride2Fly event on Saturday, September 10, was a big success. Forty-five motorcycles (and two scooters) arrived at MAF headquarters for the starting leg of the 60-mile journey into the Idaho mountains that finished at Garden Valley. Riders were treated to some musical entertainment, lunch, and a flight demonstration with a mock medical evacuation beforehand. We thank our sponsors (Fisher’s Document Systems and Southridge Dental), the riders, staff, and Idaho Friends of MAF who made the event a success. Monies raised will benefit the MAF Global Ministry fund.
MAF-US and MAF-Canada Sign Alliance Agreement
Since 1981, MAF-US and MAF-Canada have had an agreement in place that encompasses a mutual intention to work more closely together. This agreement was created … “in a spirit of cooperation to best meet the challenge of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people in the world.” Over the years, this commitment has not changed. Continuing in a spirit of closer collaboration, John Boyd, president and CEO of MAF-US announced that the two organizations have jointly developed a new alliance agreement that better suits the global landscape and operating environment in which we find ourselves today.